When it comes to sex, individualism should be celebrated.
We all might like different things when it comes to sex or may not wish to have physical sex at all; the most important thing is to show respect and kindness to others whilst always respecting our body and our boundaries.
“Sexwise” sex education
Sexwise is a informative website for finding out more about practicing safe sex and exploring different contraception.
Putting in place your healthy boundaries, your communication and emotionally supportive relationships are paramount to a well-rounded understanding of “sex and you”. Have a look at Sexwise here for more on these topics in developing your healthy sexual identity.
LGBTQIA+ sex education
Your sexual orientation and gender identity is an important part of your sexual identity, so naturally this can be a factor when you’re discovering your sex life and looking into safe sex. Sometimes being an LGBTQIA+ person means you might not have had the same sexual education at school or at home or might not have spoken to someone that understands practicing what you want. It’s important to talk about it and make sure you look after your sexual wellbeing.
Understanding your desires and experiences can help you affirm your boundaries, know how to respect each other and how to stay safe. Click here for the LGBT Foundation guides on LGBTQIA+ sex and relationships.
GenderGP’s webpage on trans sex education is a helpful resource to learn more about sex as or with a trans person. This site led by the trans community explores gender-diverse sex, consent and relationships.
Sex and disability
Having a disability does not mean you cannot have a healthy and happy sex life. Enhance the UK are working to normalise sex and disability, ensuring all disabled people have access to services and education.
Enhance the UK have developed The Love Lounge, a place to get down to earth advice, practical tips on sex, relationships and flirting from their resident love and sexperts.
Porn and sex addiction
Having regular sex, masturbation and/or using porn can all be healthy forms of sexual expression releasing endorphins which contribute to pleasure and a positive mood. However, these experiences may also become addictive, and some forms of porn may present unrealistic or abusive scenarios which affect people's sexual relationships in real life. Some people may find that they struggle with porn or sex addition, or an unhealthy relationship with sex or masturbation which starts to dominant their lives.
This page by Very Well Mind investigates the effect and explains indicators of a porn addiction.
If you feel sex is taking over your life, you may have a sex addiction. To find out more about the symptoms of sex addiction, have a look at Healthline’s guide here.
If you are worried that you might be addicted to porn or sex, or you are concerned about the type of pornography you are watching, you can speak with a Student Support Advisor or a member of the Mental Health and Wellbeing team at Canterbury Christ Church University. Conversations are confidential and non-judgemental.
Find out more from our Relationships, Consent, and Sex campaign